Ashoka's Pillars

Definition

Ashoka's Pillars are a series of monumental stone edicts created during the reign of Emperor Ashoka of the Mauryan Empire in the 3rd century BCE. These pillars, inscribed with messages promoting moral values, Buddhist teachings, and laws, served as a means to communicate with the populace and promote social and ethical behavior across Ashoka's vast empire. They reflect his commitment to non-violence, tolerance, and the welfare of his subjects.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. There are 33 known pillars attributed to Ashoka, many of which are topped with animal sculptures like lions or elephants, symbolizing strength and power.
2. The inscriptions on the pillars are written in various scripts, including Brahmi and Kharosthi, making them important artifacts for understanding ancient Indian languages.
3. One of the most famous pillars is the Lion Capital of Ashoka, which has become a national emblem of India and symbolizes courage and pride.
4. The pillars were strategically placed along major roads and in key locations to reach a wide audience, reflecting Ashoka's efforts to unify his diverse empire through shared values.
5. Ashoka's edicts emphasize moral governance, promoting values such as non-violence (ahimsa), compassion, and respect for all living beings.

Review Questions

• How did Ashoka's Pillars serve as a tool for governance during his reign?
  • Ashoka's Pillars functioned as a form of communication between the emperor and his subjects, conveying messages of moral behavior and ethical governance. By inscribing his edicts on these monumental pillars, Ashoka aimed to instill values such as non-violence and compassion throughout his diverse empire. This approach helped unify different regions under a common set of principles while reinforcing his authority as a ruler committed to the welfare of his people.
• Discuss the impact of Ashoka's Buddhist beliefs on the content of the inscriptions found on the pillars.
  • Ashoka's Buddhist beliefs significantly influenced the inscriptions on his pillars, which emphasize core tenets of Buddhism such as non-violence (ahimsa), compassion towards all living beings, and respect for different faiths. These edicts reflect his personal transformation after the Kalinga War, leading him to adopt a policy of dharma that prioritizes ethical living over conquest. As a result, the pillars served not only as governmental decrees but also as instruments for promoting Buddhist teachings across his empire.
• Evaluate the significance of Ashoka's Pillars in understanding the Mauryan Empire's cultural legacy and its influence on later Indian history.
  • Ashoka's Pillars are crucial in understanding the Mauryan Empire's cultural legacy as they encapsulate a unique blend of governance and spirituality that influenced Indian society for centuries. By promoting moral values through these public inscriptions, Ashoka set a precedent for future rulers regarding ethical governance and religious tolerance. The lasting impact of these pillars can be seen in how they inspired later empires and leaders in India to adopt similar approaches in their rule, solidifying Ashoka’s role as a pivotal figure in shaping Indian civilization.

Related terms

Edicts of Ashoka: The set of inscriptions on the pillars and rocks throughout the Mauryan Empire that outline Ashoka's principles of governance and moral conduct.

Buddhism: A spiritual tradition founded by Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha) emphasizing ethical living, meditation, and wisdom as paths to enlightenment.

Mauryan Empire: An ancient Indian empire founded by Chandragupta Maurya that reached its peak under Ashoka, known for its political unification and cultural achievements.